PHYSICAL THERAPY

Graduated in 1974
WSU Applebaum Board of Visitors member
 

Q: Why did you choose WSU?

A: I chose Wayne State University for two main reasons. First, the interview process for the Physical Therapy program was welcoming, friendly and informative. Also, I was awarded a Board of Governors scholarship, which was extremely helpful in completing the program. Having received this scholarship is also the reason I feel so strongly about giving back to WSU.

Q: What inspired you to pursue PT?

A: I wanted to enter the medical profession. At the time, the field of physical therapy appeared to me to be the most impactful way to help patients improve their quality of life. Within this profession you could spend time and develop relationships with patients as they progressed with their rehabilitation.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: Dr. Favro, who taught physics. Even though the class was very large, he was personable and related to students often on an individual level. I still remember some of his helpful methods to remember things, such as the direction of electrical current.

Q: Did you have a favorite hangout on campus?

A: My absolute favorite place was the Traffic Jam! Often we would go there as a group or for dinner as a couple. The Traffic Jam remained a favorite of mine for many years. Frank and I often returned there for dinner and truly enjoyed "stepping back."

Q: Share some reflections about your years on campus.

A: My time at Wayne State greatly impacted my future professional path of going into business and obtaining pertinent post-graduate degrees. The school helped me develop a sense of autonomy in working toward future goals. It was a place where I met, developed relationships and shared ideas with nontraditional college students. In addition, and most importantly, Wayne State is where I met my husband, Frank.

Q: Tell us more about your career.

A: I have been so fortunate in the opportunities and experiences in my career that one highlight is difficult. After graduating with a BS in physical therapy, the next few years afforded the opportunity to work within three excellent hospital settings. Progressively, each hospital paid less than the previous job but offered the opportunity to learn something new in the field of PT and medicine.

Not many years later, Frank and I decided to open our private practice. This was not a common thing at that time and presented many challenges. Within the private practice, our main goals included providing the best quality of patient care, providing education and mentoring to other physical therapists, and to remain independent and not physician owned.

We also concurrently began working with a group of Norwegian PTs and obtained certification in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. Our private practice became one of the main locations providing this OMPT patient care treatment and clinical education for other clinicians.

As time went on, my clinical interest in the need for treatment of performing artist injuries and the importance of movement in a comprehensive rehabilitation program formalized. I returned to school and obtained my DScPT, with my research focusing on the prevention and treatment of performing artists’ injuries. This included training and certifying in several movement methods.  

We enjoyed integrating these skills within our private practice goals and providing quality treatment practices for 40 years. The many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of patients has been an honor.

I have enjoyed serving on the  WSU Applebaum Board of Visitors since 2015. I remain grateful and honored to be able to integrate all these experiences and educational opportunities into practice and consultation.

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Physical therapists are dynamic health professionals who develop, coordinate and utilize select knowledge, skills and techniques in planning, organizing and directing programs for the care of individuals whose ability to function is impaired or threatened by disease or injury. The goal of PT is to enhance a person’s quality of life and their ability to participate in activities. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program application process opens July 1 and the deadline is Oct. 15. WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.